Wednesday, September 23, 2015
City of London
Syrian Refugee Crisis Community Effort
London, ON. September 23, 2015: As a result of the community-wide effort, launched on September 5, to raise awareness and donations to assist Syrian refugee families to settle in London, one of the partner organizations has now begun the application process to sponsor a Syrian family to London.
Late last week, Byron United Church began their latest private sponsorship application process for a family to settle in London. This application has been made possible through funds collected by this growing community effort.
“This is amazing. Our community continues to do what is necessary to help refugee families in need,” said Mayor Matt Brown. “I am so pleased to see how Londoners from across our city are working together to answer this call to action.”
This Sunday, Metropolitan United Church, another partner organization, will be presenting a cheque, for more than $28,000, to Byron United to support their application. According to Lifeline Syria, approximately $27,000 is needed to support a refugee family of four for a year.
“Byron United Church is honoured to be a part of London’s co-operative, city-wide outpouring of love to bless Syrians in danger and distress,” said Pastor Greg Brawn. “By working together, we can create a joyful future for many Syrian families.”
Three weeks ago, a small group of five faith-based and community leaders responded to Mayor Brown’s call to mobilize and work together to support Syrian refugee families. This original group of partner organizations has now grown from five to twelve in membership.
Meanwhile, one of the newest partner organizations, the Presbytery of London, which includes 27 Presbyterian churches in the area, is exploring ways to support refugee families and is currently in the initial stages of developing a steering committee and initiating fundraising efforts.
Meanwhile, the London Muslim Mosque, one of the original partner organizations, is holding an Eid al Adha Dinner on September 26, with proceeds being directed towards local initiatives that will sponsor Syrian refugee families to settle in London.
To date, more than $87,000 (including Metropolitan United Church’s $28,000+ cheque) has been collected by our partner organizations and donations continue come in. The partner organizations are also assisting with sponsorship applications and assembling volunteers, resources and supports for when families arrive in London, including arranging for medical services, dental services, community engagement opportunities and community orientation.
Mayor Brown has also been working with Big City Mayors from across the country through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Task Force on Refugee Resettlement and on Thursday, September 24, he will be attending a meeting of the Big City Mayors’ Caucus in Toronto to further discuss the role cities can play in welcoming Syrian refugee families into our communities.
Donations can be directed to the following partner organizations:
- Metropolitan United Church
- The Islamic Centre of Southwest Ontario
- The London Muslim Mosque
- Muslim Association of Canada London Chapter
- St. Andrew Memorial Anglican Church
- The Presbytery of London
- Byron United Church
- St. Aidan's Anglican Church of London
- King’s University College Ministry
- Fanshawe College
- Western University
Donations can also be made at all five Libro Credit Union locations and through e-transfers at lifeline@libro.ca. This list will be updated as our participating partners continue to grow.
Media contact:
Shobhita Sharma
Press Secretary
Office of Mayor Matt Brown
ssharma@london.ca
519-854-7141
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